Khatvanga (Staff with Skull on Top) is symbolic of a pure or empty mind, one which is free from preconceived ideas which block the way for new perceptions, particularly Divine insight, that is, insight by intuition during meditation, reflection or quietness. In contrast to the perconceived ideas stands true knowledge, which is knowing from personal experience. Information is often mistaken for knowledge. The skull is mounted on a staff (the spine). The Kundalini Energy can then rise in the Sahasrara. The flow of the Divine energy through the staff or spine, into the empty skull, the mind free of preconceived ideas, is an experience that shakes one's whole foundation."
- Kundalini: Yoga for the West. By Swami Sivananda Radha. Timeless Books, 1978. p.41
"Zhaozhou, who had been in poor health, asked his friend Miao Zhang, "Do the bees have Buddha nature?" Miao Zhang smiled and said, "The roses are so fragrant today, and the cherries so sweet. Let's walk in the garden and leave our crutches behind."
Gathering together in an orchard of blooming sweet lime trees, the students waited for their esteemed teacher, Kasyapa. Slowly walking down the dirt path, relying on his danda walking staff for balance, Kasyapa joined his students. He sat quietly for a long time, enjoying the fragrance of the lime blossoms. Finally, he raised his danda staff. Everyone stared at Kasyapa - serious, intent, focused, and silent. Only Shifu Miao Zhang smiled, and then lifted his cane and pointed at a lime blossom. Kasyapa pointed his danda at Shifu Zhang. Another transmission was completed. The sacred thread remained unbroken."
- Shifu Miao Zhang Points the Way
Way of the Short Staff
Cane Practices in T'ai Chi Chuan
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